Important Notice – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the date of this year’s Phoenix Ball has been moved to August 7, 2021.Â
The Patrons’ Party is scheduled for July 10, 2021.Â
One of the premier charity events in Tennessee, the Phoenix Ball is a black tie gala benefiting Cumberland University, which was founded in 1842. Attended by hundreds of prominent middle Tennesseans, the Ball has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for scholarships for students attending Cumberland.
The first Phoenix Ball was held in 1984 and was created by Mrs. Mary Clement, who, at the time, served as First Lady of Cumberland University to President Bob Clement. Mary created the Phoenix Ball to serve as the University’s signature event. She and a dedicated group of volunteers felt that it would be a way to raise the visibility of Cumberland in the greater Nashville area, raise funds for Cumberland’s desreving students, and, lastly, provide a memorable evening of dancing, dining and entertainment for the attendees.
During the early years of the Ball, funds raised were used for various projects around campus, including the purchase of library books, carpeting for Memorial Hall, and other priority projects needed for the campus. In recent years, the funds have been allocated to support scholarships for deserving students. The Ball has been held annually since 1984, with the exception of last year when it was canceled due to COVID-19.
As we celebrate the 36th Annual Phoenix Ball, we honor and thank our friends of the University for their love and support of Cumberland and our students.
